Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Mrs Chioma Ohakim, has charged the women’s U-20 national team, the Falconets, to put behind them their opening day loss to Spain and focus on today’s crucial group match against China.
The Falconets suffered a 0-2 defeat to former champions Spain in their first match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Monday.
According to a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ambassador Ohakim and mission staff watched the match at the Stadion Sosnowiec and did their best to encourage the team.
Following the final whistle, she interacted with the players and technical crew, reminding them that they played good football and urging them to stay confident.
To lift their spirits and make the squad feel at home, Ambassador Ohakim also brought Nigerian food for the players-a gesture the NFF noted provided a timely morale boost as the team turns its attention to China.
The two-time silver medalists return to the Stadion Sosnowiec pitch this evening for a high-stakes encounter. The Chinese team enters the match highly motivated after a 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in their opener, placing them atop Group F ahead of 2022 champions Spain on goal difference.
Nigeria and China have met twice previously at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals. In 2006 (Russia), China defeated the Falconets 3-0 in the group stage at the Podmoskovie Stadium.
In 2018 (France), a late own goal by a Chinese defender secured a 1-1 draw for Nigeria in Dinan-Léhon, sending the Falconets through to the quarter-finals.
Coach Moses Aduku said on Wednesday night: ‘We have put the match against Spain behind us and focussing totally on the clash with China. The players are ready to come out stronger for the match against China.’